What makes it so extraordinary is the sense of purpose and style that illuminates the entire undertaking. What makes it so memorable is the appreciation of ensemble values it reflects . . . The greatest asset of the Munich "Rosenkavalier," without question, is the conductor: Carlos Kleiber . . . His incredibly flexible "Rosenkavalier" surges and shimmers, makes magical rubato effects, builds to glorious if sparing climaxes, capitalizes on orchestral luxuriance, supports the singers with uncanny sensitivity, minimizes bombast while maximizing finesse, savors elegance and eloquence and sensuality. This is the work of a master. With Kleiber in the pit, it almost doesn't matter who is on the stage.

DVD of the month. One of the truly great productions of Richard Strauss's "Der Rosenkavalier" returns on DVD . . . Over everything Carlos Kleiber presides with idiomatic ease and authority . . . Kleiber's reading has that essential mix of warmth and élan the score demands, and a lightness of tough allied to controlled but never effusive sentiment. The Bavarian State Opera Orchestra plays with the brio and confidence gained from long experience of Kleiber's impulsive ways . . . The picture comes up fresh on DVD and the sound is mostly first-rate, as is the video direction. This is a must-buy.

Record Review /
Alan Blyth,
Gramophone (London) / 01. October 2005

Manfred Jungwirth¿s Ochs is a suitably dirty old man and the late Lucia Popp¿s Sophie is superb. The `Presentation of the Rose¿ Fassbaender-Popp duet in Act 2 is breathtaking, with its exquisite harmonies and ecstatic, soaring vocal lines.

Record Review /
Louise Flind,
Classic FM (London) / 01. November 2005

I would unhesitatingly choose to give the DVD of the 1979 Strauss "Der Rosenkavalier" from Munich: this classic performance should afford a lifetime's pleasure . . . Carlos Kleiber's conducting ideally balances romantic warmth and soufflé-like élan in a reading superbly played by the Bavarian State Opera Orchestra . . . They all combine . . . an exemplary interpretation of a much-loved work. I would like to receive Martha Argerich's performances with Claudio Abbado of two Beethoven concertos. I always find my spirits lifted and my ears astonished by everything this probing if excentric pianist does. To hear her in works not often offered in concert will surely be an experience to savour with a festive glass in hand.

Record Review /
Alan Blyth,
Gramophone (London) / 01. December 2005

A perfect "Rosenkavalier" probably exists only in the mind's eye and ear, but this one, an imperishable classic, comes very close.

Record Review /
Hugh Canning,
Opera (London) / 01. October 2007

This is the most aristocratic . . . of the many DVD "Rosenkavaliers", with Carlos Kleiber's golden pacing, Gwyneth Jones beautiful and steady as the Marschallin, Fassbaender utterly convincing as young Octavian and the heavenly Lucia Popp as Sophie.

Record Review /
David Nice,
BBC Music Magazine (London) / 01. January 2014